How to go about buying

PUBLISHED: 10:30 06 February 2008 | UPDATED: 21:37 26 October 2009

FOR those contemplating hurling themselves into the housing market here are a few tips from Martin Bishop of Bryan Bishop and Partners, High Street, Welwyn. Be sure to shop around for the best mortgage deal, do not be tempted by the first offer until yo

FOR those contemplating hurling themselves into the housing market here are a few tips from Martin Bishop of Bryan Bishop and Partners, High Street, Welwyn.

Be sure to "shop around" for the best mortgage deal, do not be tempted by the first offer until you have researched the marketplace.

First-time buyers have the advantage of no dependent sale and present a relatively straight forward option to a seller.

The higher the deposit you are able to put down on a property the less of a "risk" you present to both seller and lender.

As with all property, it is "location" that counts. You are better to buy something slightly smaller than opt for a larger property in a poor location as this will affect its potential when it comes to sell.

Make sure you can still afford to pay the mortgage if interest rates go up. Don't overstretch unless the market is rising.